My Ex and I Still Go to the Same Gym: A 6-Month Update

I know what you're thinking. Just switch gyms.

No.

I was here first. I've been going to this gym since 2023. I know which showers have good water pressure. I know the locker that doesn't stick. I have a SYSTEM and I am not abandoning it because Jake decided that "he needs to find himself" after two years together.

Jake can find himself at Planet Fitness.

Month 1: The Avoidance Phase

We tried the "I'll go mornings, you go evenings" arrangement. Very civilized. Very mature. Lasted about nine days before I walked in at 6 AM and there he was, doing cable flyes in the tank top I bought him.

I immediately turned around, went home, and ate cereal in my car.

Month 2: The Revenge Body Phase

I decided the best strategy was to look incredible. I started training harder than I ever had in my life. New program. New pre-workout. New gym fits. I wanted Jake to see me and feel the full weight of his mistake.

He did not notice. He was wearing AirPods.

Month 3: The Accidental Interaction

We both reached for the same pair of 25s. Our hands touched. I said "sorry." He said "no worries." We made eye contact for 0.4 seconds. I went to the bathroom and called my best friend.

Her advice: "Just switch gyms."

NO.

Month 4: He Brought Someone

She was doing hip thrusts. She was really good at hip thrusts. I have never felt such specific jealousy in my life. Not jealousy about Jake — jealousy about her hip thrust form. How is her back that straight. WHAT IS HER PROGRAM.

I went home and Googled "how to improve hip thrust form" and accidentally stumbled on this article about gym couples breaking up at the same gym and felt incredibly seen.

Month 5: The Truce

We finally talked. Like adults. By the smoothie bar. He said he was sorry about how things ended. I said I was sorry for passive-aggressively slamming weights whenever he walked by. We agreed to coexist. It was fine.

I only cried in the sauna a little.

Month 6: Now

Honestly? It's okay now. We nod at each other. Sometimes he spots me if nobody else is around. It's not romantic — it's just... the gym. This weird neutral territory where we're both just trying to be better versions of ourselves.

Do I sometimes pick the treadmill with the best view of his squat rack? Maybe. Am I over it? Mostly. Would I switch gyms? Absolutely not.

This is MY gym. I have seniority. I have the good locker.

Jake can deal.